The hardest interview question EVER

[IniestaDeMiVida]

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I remember I was asked about how I resolved interpersonal conflict in schools, like during a group project. But I was three years out of undergrad, so I just asked if I could use an example from my workplace instead. I hadn't thought about it before, but I'm glad I had work experience to draw from because dealing with coworkers is a much more useful task than dealing with a classmate that you may never see again...

 

[physiologist]

I remember I was asked about how I resolved interpersonal conflict in schools, like during a group project. But I was three years out of undergrad, so I just asked if I could use an example from my workplace instead. I hadn't thought about it before, but I'm glad I had work experience to draw from because dealing with coworkers is a much more useful task than dealing with a classmate that you may never see again...

I do have work experience. Has there been drama? Heck yes! Have I ever been involved in it? No. I'm a very easygoing person. I've witnessed some crazy stuff though I think it's because I usually opt to talk things out with people before they get ugly.

I also got the question: "what is the secret for working in a team?" And I said that everyone needs to respect each other and their contribution, and talk things out if there are problems. Once everyone understands each other's point of view, it is much easier to get along as a team. Was this a good answer?

 

[NCMED101]

Speaking of HIV, a girl I know got this gem in an interview: If you were treating a girl who you knew was sexually active with your son and she was HIV+, how would you handle the situation?

It's a tough one, I'd think that you would have some sort of legal obligation to ensure that she isn't being irresponsible with her HIV.

I believe that when someone else can be directly harmed like this situation, you have an obligation to let them know. Correct me if I am wrong, but that is what I think.

 

[impermanence]

I believe that when someone else can be directly harmed like this situation, you have an obligation to let them know. Correct me if I am wrong, but that is what I think.

It get's tricky due to Dr.-patient confidentiality but in many states (like NY) HIV is a reportable condition and often a contact investigation is carried out by the local DOH. If this happens then the girl would be asked about current and former sexual partners (among other things) and the Dr's son would be notified. It does sound like a tricky question though...

 

[impermanence]

Dude, universal precautions, we treat everyone as if they're HIV(+) or carrying some rancid form of ebola. That rationale makes no sense to me. It's the pt's right to repair an injury that limits quality of life. That motorcycle may be the only thing from which s/he truly derives joy. S/he should be able to ride if s/he wants. JMHO

🙂 Yes - prevention.

I did recently hear about a case where the physician was doing a delivery and did not know the patient had AIDS. He was thankful to be wearing PPE.

 

[IniestaDeMiVida]

I believe that when someone else can be directly harmed like this situation, you have an obligation to let them know. Correct me if I am wrong, but that is what I think.

I remember something similar to this my from my Health Law class. If the patient refuses to tell their partner (like a spouse) and you think it puts others in imminent danger, you can take action. But it's a pretty slippery slope.

 

[IniestaDeMiVida]

I do have work experience. Has there been drama? Heck yes! Have I ever been involved in it? No. I'm a very easygoing person. I've witnessed some crazy stuff though. I think it's because I'm opt. To talking things out with people.

I also got the question: "what is the secret for working in a team?" And I said that everyone needs to respect each other and their contribution, and talk things out if there are problems. Once everyone understands each other's point of view, it is much easier to get along as a team. Was this a good answer?

I guess in my scenario, I had an antagonistic and abrasive coworker, and my reaction was to make an effort to not react. It was more of a change in my personal reaction to difficult teammates as opposed to serious conflict resolution stuff.

I think you're second answer is good, if not a little generic. Did you use specific examples?

 

[physiologist]

Yes. In the department where I work in the hospital, doctors and nurses fight constantly because doctors think nurses are lazy and useless compared to them (ie ego problems) while nurses thought the doctors were douchey egomaniacs who gave them too high a patient burden (I work in ambulatory care). It was when these two groups learned to recognize and respect each others' value and contribution, and keep communication open and understanding, ditching the egos, that you have the best results in team cooperation. Otherwise things can get ugly fast.

 

[EarthtoneJon]

Toughest question? "What is your greatest weakness / fault?"

The response "I sometimes care too much" makes you sound like an idiot, but the truth-- something like "my lack of emotional maturity tends to destroy relationships with friends and family"-- is potentially disastrous.

 

[IniestaDeMiVida]

Toughest question? "What is your greatest weakness / fault?"

The response "I sometimes care too much" makes you sound like an idiot, but the truth-- something like "my lack of emotional maturity tends to destroy relationships with friends and family"-- is potentially disastrous.

I usually talk about how I put too many things on my plate, but that doing so has made me a more effective time manager. Turning a negative into a positive.

 

[Palam]

I was asked this question when I applied for an RA position. Everyone has interpersonal conflicts. It might not be something dramatic or crushing to the relationship but they happen. You have to recognize them and be able to offer a solution that shows you're a strong communicator and willing to be flexible. And yes embellish if need be.

 

[NCMED101]

I usually talk about how I put too many things on my plate, but that doing so has made me a more effective time manager. Turning a negative into a positive.

wouldn't this sound too generic though? I am not saying it is a bad answer, but sounds like something a large majority would say.

P.S. I love your avatar, if only their recent form was better...

 

[physiologist]

wouldn't this sound too generic though? I am not saying it is a bad answer, but sounds like something a large majority would say.

P.S. I love your avatar, if only their recent form was better...

Not if you give examples. I discussed this and told my interviewer that I decided to trim the fat during my junior year and stick to three major activities and rock at them, and also not be disillusioned that 5 classes + 2 labs is a good idea.

 

[BuddyTheElf]

"Describe a recent interpersonal conflict you had with a friend or loved one and how you resolved it."

My friends and I don't fight ever. We're so low-drama.

I ended up sputtering. Worst!!

What was the hardest interview question you've ever been asked and how would you answer mine?

I had a similar question to this at my first interview. It was something like "Besides for academics, tell me about a time that something didn't work out for you and how you overcame it" or something like that. We had already talked about the few things that would have fit this question, so I had no idea what else to say other than repeat myself. I stopped to think for a minute and eventually she said "If you've never overcome anything difficult in your life, we can just move on" *Reads next question* WHAT! That's not what I said!

 

[physiologist]

Haha I should've been just like "well people never pick fights with me cuz they know they won't win."

My interviewer was an M4 bro, he'd have taken that well; especially if he realized I was joking.

 

[jorgediaz]

Not if you give examples. I discussed this and told my interviewer that I decided to trim the fat during my junior year and stick to three major activities and rock at them, and also not be disillusioned that 5 classes + 2 labs is a good idea.

I've met a fair number of applicants, and the vast number attempted to spin a negative into a positive. Either caring too much, being a workaholic, being a perfectionist... you get the drift. I'm not convinced this is a good thing to do, because to me, it doesn't sound genuine at all. I would feel like interviewer is rolling his/her eyes at me on the inside. Well SURE, your greatest weakness is that you work too hard. 🙄

I was asked this question once, and I took the approach of being honest with it. I work great in a team, but sometimes I have trouble taking an authoritative/assertive position. When I do lead, I'm more of a democratic leader. I talked about this as a weakness, and how I've continuously taken steps to improve this. I believe that if you don't acknowledge your real flaws, it's hard to take what you say about yourself seriously.

 

[EarthtoneJon]

I usually talk about how I put too many things on my plate, but that doing so has made me a more effective time manager. Turning a negative into a positive.

I gotcha. But see, that's just the problem. If I were an admissions person who has heard thousands of answers to that question, and has dealt with thousands of applicants trying to suck up, I would be thinking:

"Oh! Your worst quality is actually a good quality? Do you also pee lemonade?"

Idk...how about just be honest, but don't necessarily delve into the darkest corners of your subconscious.

 

[Guero]

I gotcha. But see, that's just the problem. If I were an admissions person who has heard thousands of answers to that question, and has dealt with thousands of applicants trying to suck up, I would be thinking:

"Oh! Your worst quality is actually a good quality? Do you also pee lemonade?"
Idk...how about just be honest, but don't necessarily delve into the darkest corners of your subconscious.

That'd probably be fairly painful, not so much a "good" thing. 😀

 

[tima]

It kind of depends how you wrote your personal statement. My PS was about how the event confirmed that I wanted to go into medicine. I always had interest in science and medical related stuff since high school. So, I basically talked about how the experience and volunteer work confirmed that the medical field was the right decision for me. It’s a little different if you say that you discovered the whole medical field in your sophomore year. I think it’s better to talk how the event confirmed this is the right field for you and why. The question was more like “How did you know medicine was the right field and when did you know?” So, use it as a confirming/reinforcing event.

I'm quite concerned with this happening to me. I would probably just respond that I had the general idea, and those events reinforced the idea.

How did you respond might I ask?

 

[Derv]

"Tell me about a time recently when you feel like you were being misjudged"

 

[Guero]

"Tell me about a time recently when you feel like you were being misjudged"

"Uhm...Uhm...Right now?" LoL

Ugh, some of these are awful.

 

[physiologist]

"Uhm...Uhm...Right now?" LoL

Ugh, some of these are awful.

I would talk about my growing up with a disability (fixed with surgery) and how a lot of people underestimated my intelligence and potential because of it.

God forbid an interviewer ask a tough question I can answer! Always from left-field arg.

I was told that MS4s are just there to tell you about the school and get to know you, and seldom write bad reports. Also they are not on the committee so they don't have as much say.

I have a feeling that's bogus. Why would they be asking me these brutal questions then?

Also I'm worried that both interviews were super short, like 30 minutes compared to the majority whose were 45 mins-1hr.

 

[Guero]

I would talk about my growing up with a disability (fixed with surgery) and how a lot of people underestimated my intelligence and potential because of it.

God forbid an interviewer ask a tough question I can answer! Always from left-field arg.

I was told that MS4s are just there to tell you about the school and get to know you, and seldom write bad reports. Also they are not on the committee so they don't have as much say.

I have a feeling that's bogus. Why would they be asking me these brutal questions then?

Also I'm worried that both interviews were super short, like 30 minutes compared to the majority whose were 45 mins-1hr.

It depends on the school. Some student interviewers have equal say and sit on the committee, while others carry much less weight.

And kudos for overcoming the stigma. People can be so ignorant at times. 🙄

 

[dgsilvervid]

Can you give me an example of a time when you game someone advice that didn't work out? How did it effect them and how did it effect you?

I thought that was my toughest question on the interview trail.

 

[ericksonj15]

.

 

[dgsilvervid]

After being told by everyone how low stress and conversational our 25 minute interviews were about to be, I got all these gems as well as others in the same faculty interview:
-"If you had to choose between these 3 generic patients who need heart transplants, who would you choose?"
-"What would you say to a patient of yours with an extremely agressive form of cancer with a poor prognosis?"
-"What would you do if you caught a classmate cheating in medical school?"
-"Discuss the current healthcare reform for me"

Thank god I've spent enough time lurking SDN and interview prepping that I left the room feeling pretty good about my answers, but it was BY FAR the worst grilling I've had in all of my interviews.

Wow that is brutal.

 

[EarthtoneJon]

After being told by everyone how low stress and conversational our 25 minute interviews were about to be, I got all these gems as well as others in the same faculty interview:
-"If you had to choose between these 3 generic patients who need heart transplants, who would you choose?"
-"What would you say to a patient of yours with an extremely agressive form of cancer with a poor prognosis?"
-"What would you do if you caught a classmate cheating in medical school?"
-"Discuss the current healthcare reform for me"

Thank god I've spent enough time lurking SDN and interview prepping that I left the room feeling pretty good about my answers, but it was BY FAR the worst grilling I've had in all of my interviews.

Unreal! With the exception of the last one (discussing the current state of healthcare and its reform) I'll bet my doctor can't answer a single one of those. Even the one about aggressive cancer and poor prognosis. Heck, my dentist even stunk at telling me that I had multiple cavities. He was like...sir...I'm very, very sorry. I couldn't tell without an x-ray, but we'll need to drill your teeth. You've got a bunch of cavities. I was thinking, OK, do I have tiny holes in my teeth, or did a loved one just die?

Health care providers are often graceless in the simple aspects of their daily work. Why should pre-meds have to answer life's most difficult questions?

 

[circulus vitios]

After being told by everyone how low stress and conversational our 25 minute interviews were about to be, I got all these gems as well as others in the same faculty interview:
-"If you had to choose between these 3 generic patients who need heart transplants, who would you choose?"
-"What would you say to a patient of yours with an extremely agressive form of cancer with a poor prognosis?"
-"What would you do if you caught a classmate cheating in medical school?"
-"Discuss the current healthcare reform for me"

Thank god I've spent enough time lurking SDN and interview prepping that I left the room feeling pretty good about my answers, but it was BY FAR the worst grilling I've had in all of my interviews.

The one with the best insurance.
You're going to die.
Blackmail him.
What a lazy prompt. I'm actually embarrassed for you right now.